Getting injured due to another person’s negligence is painful, stressful, and unfair. You deserve compensation, but may not know where to turn to ensure your rights are protected. In Idaho Falls, Idaho, hiring a personal injury lawyer can be the first step toward getting justice for your unjust injuries.
14 Ways a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Get Justice
They Offer Expertise
The legal field is complicated on its own, but when you consider there are dozens of specialties within the legal system, it becomes even more complex. Not every attorney is qualified to handle personal injury cases, which is why you want to meet with any attorney you’re considering for your case before making a final decision. An experienced personal injury attorney will provide you and your family with the support and guidance you need during a difficult time.
They Let You Focus on Healing
When you’ve been injured, the last thing you should be doing is worrying about money and a lawsuit. Hiring an attorney allows you to focus on healing, both physically and emotionally while they handle the tedious aspects of your case, including filing paperwork and attending procedural hearings. Once you retain representation, you can let your attorney do all the leg work involved in proving your claim against the other party, including finding witnesses, securing evidence, and more.
They Will Communicate With Insurance Companies
There is very little in life that’s more stressful than dealing with insurance companies, especially if they’re trying to avoid paying you compensation. Retaining a personal injury attorney takes this unpleasant task off your plate. In fact, insurance companies cannot legally communicate with you without going through your lawyer. If you receive any correspondence from the insurance company, you can simply forward it straight to your lawyer and not have to worry about it for another second.
They Will Negotiate a Settlement
Many personal injury cases don’t ever see the inside of a courtroom because the insurance company ends up settling to avoid litigation. Your attorney will ensure you receive a fair offer from the insurance company, and if it isn’t what you deserve, they’ll advise you not to accept it. You will still control what happens, though, so if you choose to settle anyway, your attorney will make that happen. If a settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer will prepare for court.
They Will Prepare a Strong Case
In the event that the insurance company refuses to settle, or doesn’t offer adequate compensation, your attorney will be ready to present your case in front of a judge and jury. Experienced attorneys realize that you can never really tell how a personal injury case is going to go, so they begin preparing for a possible trial from the moment they’re retained. This means that whether you settle or go to court, your case will be as strong as possible.
They Will Investigate the Event
You may not have the financial resources to investigate the events that led to your injury. If it was a car accident that caused your injuries, you’ll need someone to reconstruct the accident to prove it was the other party’s fault. This can be a critical finding in your case, but if you can’t afford an investigator, you may not have enough proof to win. Luckily, your attorney will have access to an investigator who can do this for you.
They Will Determine Your Actual Damages
Your financial damages are likely more than just your medical bills and the cost to repair or replace your car. You may have missed work for several days, or still be out of work. You may not ever be able to work in your field again. Additionally, you and your family may have suffered emotional stress related to your accident. Your attorney will use financial experts to ensure all financial damages are included in your claim.
They Will Defer Your Payments
Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay anything for your legal representation until or unless your case is settled or an award is won. This means you’ll have access to expert services and professional witnesses who can help you win your case at no charge to you until your case is decided. This removes a lot of the financial burden of filing and litigating a personal injury case.
They Will Provide You With Support
When you’re in an accident, whether it’s someone else’s fault or not, you’re going to experience significant emotional distress. An attorney will be able to provide you with services that can support you and your family as you go through the legal process. While you can find these services on your own, you may not know where to start. An attorney can provide you with names and other information to get you on your path to wellness.
They Know the Players Involved in Your Case
The fact that your attorney knows the legal players in your case is a benefit that can’t be understated. These relationships go a long way in making sure you get the compensation you deserve. Being familiar with the judge in your case means your attorney knows what types of evidence work best with that judge and which arguments do not hold as much weight. Knowing the opposing attorney is also a benefit when it comes to negotiations.
They Will Advocate for Your Interests
Keep in mind that no matter how friendly the insurance representative sounds on the phone, the insurance company is not on your side. The company has a financial interest in paying you as little as possible. You need and deserve someone on your side to fight for your interests. Your attorney won’t care about the insurance company’s bottom line. Instead, they’ll fight relentlessly for a settlement or award that is adequate to meet your current and future needs.
They Know What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied
If you file a claim with the other party’s insurance company and it is denied, you still have recourse. In fact, this is the triggering event that often spurs people to hire a personal injury attorney in the first place. If your claim is denied outright, your attorney will know how to reopen negotiations. Often, the threat of a lawsuit can ignite the negotiation process, but if it doesn’t, your attorney will be able to start the litigation process.
They Level the Playing Field
Insurance companies are backed by dozens of lawyers who are skilled at litigating personal injury claims and negotiating settlements. If you aren’t already an expert in those areas, you’re at a distinct advantage. You need someone who can go toe to toe with the insurance company’s attorneys and who won’t back down if the insurance company becomes aggressive or unresponsive. An attorney makes sure you have the same advantages as the insurance company.
They Understand What You’re Going Through
No one knows how difficult it is to be injured through no fault of your own unless it’s happened to you or someone you care about. An experienced personal injury attorney has been through similar situations time and time again. They can offer you support that you might not be able to find anywhere else. Knowing someone is on your side can make all the difference in your healing process.
If you’ve been injured in an accident and believe it could have been avoided if not for the actions of another, you deserve the best representation possible. Contact Ochs Law Firm today to find out how we can deliver the justice you deserve.
